MENTAL HEALTH OF CHILDREN

When a child’s behaviour stands out from their peers or they face learning challenges, it often involves three key players: the child, the teacher, and the parents. Figuring out what’s really going on takes time, patience, and a closer look.

Kids who act out or throw tantrums are often labelled as angry or defiant, but there’s usually more to the story. For instance, anxiety can make it hard for kids to handle stress, which might show up as outbursts or avoidance. ADHD can lead to things like interrupting, grabbing, or losing focus—behaviours that can be misunderstood as defiance when they’re really signs of a struggle.

If the acting out mostly happens at school, an undiagnosed learning disorder could be the reason. Struggling with school work can cause frustration, lashing out, or avoiding tasks to cover up the difficulty. Sensory issues might also play a role. Bright lights, loud sounds, or crowded spaces can overwhelm kids, triggering things like screaming or running away.

For Black children, there’s an added layer of challenge. They often face harsher punishments in schools, like suspensions or expulsions, for the same behaviours as their white peers. This is partly due to implicit bias among educators, which leads to unfair treatment. Limited  resources and opportunities only make it harder, creating a cycle that’s tough to break.

As doctors, it’s tempting to jump to quick conclusions or solutions. But without proper evaluations, we risk missing the bigger picture. Schools can sometimes help identify what’s going on, but when they can’t, it’s up to us to find the right resources and professionals to step in. It’s easy to blame external factors, but real progress comes from understanding each child’s needs and creating plans that work for them—especially when we’re evaluating Black children.

Every child deserves a fair evaluation and the chance to succeed. Let’s make that happen.

TOP OF MIND